Edit This Favorite

The AAW and Board value your chapter's continued collaboration and support.

In the spirit of sharing, this Chapter Bulletin is intended to notify you and your chapter about two important AAW policy initiatives: a) a policy on fractal burning (also known as "Lichtenberg Burning"), which advocates safety and helps to protect lives, and, b) a revised AAW Privacy Policy to clarify sharing AAW membership information with chapter officers is authorized for AAW business purposes. We also request your support to recruit reviewers for Video Source and are happy to announce the city for the 2019 Symposium.

POLICY ON FRACTAL BURNING

The AAW has always been a faithful advocate for woodturning safety. Recently, the subject of fractal burning has been in the news because of another tragic death.

The AAW Safety Committee has studied the issue and concluded there may be a distinct influencing benefit in adopting a policy against the use of Fractal Burning and publicizing it immediately to chapters and members. As a result, it was recommended that the AAW Board adopt a new policy against the practice, which was unanimously approved on May 17, 2017. The new policy is as follows:

It is the policy of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) that the process known as Fractal Burning is prohibited from being used in any AAW-sponsored events, including regional and national symposia, and that AAW-chartered chapters are strongly urged to refrain from demonstrating or featuring the process in chapter events. Further, the process of Fractal Burning shall not be featured in any written or online AAW publication, except for within articles that warn against its use. AAW publications will not accept advertisements for any products or supplies directly related to the process.

Additionally, the Safety Committee recommended that an article be published in the August 2017 issue of American Woodturner to highlight the dangers of the practice and publicize the new AAW policy.

AAW PRIVACY POLICY

In April 2017, the AAW Board discussed the existing AAW Privacy Policy and the benefit to clarify the meaning of "AAW business only" to include exchange of member information with chapter officers for authorized activities that mutually benefit members, chapters, and the AAW. For instance, the AAW Vision 2020 strategic plan envisions greater involvement in collaborative recruiting initiatives. The revised AAW Privacy Policy was unanimously approved on May 17, 2017 is as follows:

The American Association of Woodturners (AAW) will use any personal information provided by or about its membership for AAW business only. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Any use of this information will be limited to activities directly sponsored by or related to the American Association of Woodturners, including activities by officers of its chartered local chapters when directly related to authorized AAW business. Personal information will never be loaned, sold, or provided to any other party for any other purpose. This revised policy will be integrated into all appropriate documents.

The revised policy allows local chapter officers to use AAW member personal information in support of activities that are specifically authorized by the AAW and its Board. Furthermore, chapter officers will be in violation of the AAW Privacy Policy if they use information obtained in any other manner or by disclosing that information to any third parties.

VIDEO SOURCE: BE A VIDEO CRITIC

The AAW Communications Committee needs volunteers to help quality screen woodturning videos submitted for Video Source. This is a key step in the process to ensure that the Video Source contains plenty of five-star material. Videos range from a couple of minutes to nearly an hour in length, and come from well-known turners, as well as ordinary folks who want to share what they have learned. Each volunteer reviewer will screen 10 to 20 videos. If you or one of your chapter members is up for some non-Netflix binge-watching, toss a fresh bag of popcorn in the microwave and contact David Heim, the Communications Committee chair, at davidheim1@comcast.net.

2019 AAW SYMPOSIUM

The Board is pleased to announce that the 2019 AAW Symposium will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina. Known as the "City of Oaks" for its many oak trees in the heart of the city, Raleigh is an energetic capital city that offers an affordable way to enjoy history, culture, and the outdoors. Learn more about Raleigh. Additional details will be provided at a later date. We look forward to seeing you in Raleigh! Stay tuned for announcements coming this summer about the 2020 and 2021 host city selections.

We value your continued support. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at 877-595-9094 (toll free), Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m., to 4:30 p.m. CST.